In the US, the profession’s infrastructure is based on accredited educational institutions, licensure by a growing number of states, national standards of practice and care, peer review, and an ongoing commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research. Naturopathic physicians are educated with the same rigor as the graduate of an ivy-league medical school. While the allopath strives to suppress pathology, the naturopath offers holistic, preventive care to augment physiology, enhance wellness, and decrease the opportunity for illness. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) attend a 4-year graduate program with extensive training in conventional, clinical medicine and the use of natural therapies including nutrition, physical and botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, and counseling.

How Does Hydrotherapy Work?

Hot water relaxes muscles and causes sweating. Alternately, cold water stimulates blood flow in the skin and underlying muscles. Nerves carry what is felt by the skin deeper into the body, stimulating the immune system, decreasing the production of stress hormones, improving circulation and digestion, encouraging the flow of blood, and lessening the body’s sensitivity to pain. Water also has a hydrostatic effect describe as a massage-like feeling as the water gently kneads your body, stimulating the touch receptors on the skin, increasing blood circulation and releasing tight muscles.